Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Biei Pond Day Tour

The Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Biei Pond Day Tour offers a captivating experience for nature and animal enthusiasts. Spanning 10 hours, this tour takes visitors from Sapporo to the northernmost zoo in Japan, where they can observe winter-active animals. Scenic stops at the iconic Biei Christmas Tree and the breathtaking Biei Blue Pond, known for its vibrant colors, are also part of the journey. But the tour’s highlights don’t end there, as it also includes a visit to the stunning Shirahige Falls.

This experience made our article of Exploring Hokkaido: We Pick The 17 Best Tours.

Key Points

• This 10-hour day tour from Sapporo includes visits to Asahiyama Zoo, Biei Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls, with transportation and lunch provided.
• Asahiyama Zoo is known for its unique animal enclosures and winter-active species, such as penguins, raccoons, seals, and monkeys.
• The tour offers photo opportunities at the famous Biei Christmas Tree and the ever-changing colors of the Biei Blue Pond.
• Shirahige Falls, located 600 meters above sea level, showcases Hokkaido’s diverse natural landscapes.
• The tour has a cancellation policy that allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Sapporo day tour offers a comprehensive experience, covering the Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, and the iconic Biei Blue Pond.

Priced at Kč 1,875 per person, the 10-hour tour is available in Chinese, English, and Japanese.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, keeping their plans flexible.

The tour starts and ends in Sapporo, providing transportation to each destination, including a 2.5-hour drive to the zoo and 3-hour return.

Participants will have opportunities to observe animals, take photos, and explore Hokkaido’s winter landscape.

Asahiyama Zoo

After a 2.5-hour bus ride from Sapporo, travelers arrive at Asahiyama Zoo, Japan’s northernmost zoo.

The zoo is renowned for its winter-active animals, including penguins, raccoons, seals, and monkeys. Visitors have 2 hours to explore the zoo and observe these creatures.

The zoo’s unique architecture and enclosures allow for close encounters with the animals. Lunch is provided during the visit.

This winter wildlife experience is a highlight of the day tour, offering a chance to witness Hokkaido’s natural wonders firsthand.

Biei

After the visit to Asahiyama Zoo, the tour continues its journey to the town of Biei, located about 50 minutes away by bus.

Biei is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the famous Biei Christmas Tree. The tour makes a 15-minute photo stop to allow guests to capture this iconic sight.

Afterward, the group heads to the nearby Biei Blue Pond, a unique natural wonder with ever-changing colors. Visitors have 30 minutes to explore the pond and take photographs before moving on to the next destination, Shirahige Falls.

Biei Blue Pond

From Biei, the tour travels by bus for approximately 35 minutes to reach the Biei Blue Pond.

This stunning natural wonder is known for its vibrant, ever-changing colors, ranging from brilliant blue to emerald green. Visitors can enjoy a photo stop and free time to explore the area.

The pond’s unique hues are attributed to the presence of natural minerals and the reflection of the surrounding forests.

Key highlights include:

• Captivating color changes throughout the day
• Striking contrast against the snowy landscape
• Opportunity for stunning photography
• Easy access from the main road
• Free time to wander and soak in the scenery

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Shirahige Falls

Next, the tour travels by bus for approximately 10 minutes to reach Shirahige Falls, also known as the "White Beard Falls". Situated 600 meters above sea level, the falls present a striking contrast in the winter, with the water cascading over rugged rock formations draped in snow and ice. Visitors can spend 20 minutes exploring the scenic locale, capturing photos of the cascading waters and admiring the natural beauty of the site. The falls’ unique appearance changes dramatically across the seasons, offering a captivating display of Hokkaido’s diverse landscapes.

Season	Water Flow	Scenery
Spring	Moderate	Lush, green surroundings
Summer	High	Powerful, thundering waterfall
Autumn	Moderate	Vibrant fall foliage
Winter	Low	Frozen, icy waterfall
Rainy Season	High	Thundering, misty display

Return to Sapporo

The tour then travels by bus for approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes back to Sapporo, completing the day’s itinerary.

Guests can expect:

• A comfortable ride in a climate-controlled bus
• Scenic views of Hokkaido’s winter landscapes
• A chance to rest and reflect on the day’s adventures
• Arrival back in Sapporo around 6:30 PM
• Opportunity to explore the city further or head back to accommodations

Highlights

This tour offers a chance to experience Hokkaido’s stunning winter landscape.

Visitors can observe animals like penguins, raccoons, seals, and monkeys at the northernmost zoo in Japan. They’ll capture iconic photos of the Biei Christmas Tree and explore the ever-changing colors of the Biei Blue Pond.

At Shirahige Falls, they’ll witness the contrast between the falls’ frozen and flowing states. If the zoo is closed, there’s an option to visit nearby white gold hot springs instead.

Important Information

Although the Asahiyama Zoo is a highlight of the tour, it has some seasonal closures that visitors should be aware of. The zoo is closed from April 8-26, November 4-10, and December 30 – January 1.

A minimum of 4 participants is required for the tour, and alternative dates may be suggested if this isn’t met.

Tour details are emailed the night before, and the meeting point is at 3 Chome Kita 7 Jonishi, Sapporo, where the guide will have a yellow flag with the Gogoday logo.

• Seasonal zoo closures
• Minimum participant requirement
• Communication via email
• Meeting point details
• Guide identification

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Bathroom/Restroom Stop During the Tour?

The tour provides restroom breaks throughout the day, allowing participants to use facilities at the various attractions visited. Breaks are scheduled at the zoo, Biei, and during the return journey to Sapporo.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Included Lunch?

The tour operator can accommodate dietary restrictions for the included lunch, but travelers should notify them in advance. They’ll work to provide a suitable meal option that fits any dietary needs or preferences.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Visit Additional Sights?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour or visit additional sights. The tour operator offers an alternative that includes a visit to white gold hot springs if the zoo is closed. Travelers can inquire about customizing the itinerary to fit their preferences.

Is There a Discount Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, travelers should inquire about potential discounts when booking, as some tour operators may provide reduced rates for certain age groups or student IDs.

Can the Pick-Up/Drop-Off Location Be Adjusted for Convenience?

The pick-up/drop-off location can be adjusted, but this may incur an additional fee. Customers should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about the possibility and any associated costs for changing the designated meeting point.

The Sum Up

The Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls & Biei Pond Day Tour offers a well-rounded experience for nature enthusiasts. From observing winter-active animals at the northernmost zoo in Japan to admiring the breathtaking Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls, this tour showcases Hokkaido’s stunning landscapes. With a blend of wildlife and natural wonders, it’s an ideal way to explore the region’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: